As Rough Start finds go, this 1990 Pontiac Firebird Formula is a peach. What’s there to need? It’s a five-speed V8 car with a solid roof, the WS6 package, four-wheel disc brakes, and is driver-quality right now. For five thousand dollars, that’s not a bad way to go, whether you are hunting for a project or a fun car to use on the daily grind that doesn’t make you want to drill holes into your head. Back in the day, the Formula was really the model you wanted: all of the power, but nowhere near as many luxury items than what the Trans Am and GTA had on board. Thirty years later, the lines of the third-gen ‘Bird look great.
But, there is that problem. Look at this thing…it’s spotless. Originally, I was trying to find a 1993-97 LT-1 powered Firebird or Camaro that wasn’t ragged out to the ends of the Earth for a hypothetical build, and the best I could do was a 1999 Camaro Z28, with no engine or transmission, for $1,300. Others were too far roached or too expensive. This Formula is a beauty…but could you leave well enough alone? 
I can’t. But I’m not going to straight-up butchery, either. I’d look at adapting a fourth-gen six-speed setup into the car for that extra gear on the Interstate, would put up those 16×8″ wheels up for safekeeping in lieu of something more aggressive without looking like I want to be in the next 1320Video burnout montage, and would tear into the engine (305?) to wake it up properly. Except for good engine work, nothing that couldn’t be undone or wouldn’t be welcomed. What about you?
I’d get copies(year 1) of the gta wheels and store those formula wheels if they are still clean.
I’d pull the 305, And install the 4th gen 3800/5speed and add a turbo.
Ls boring
but at the 5k asking price and 122k on the clock.
I’d start with a 1985-6 305ho carbed/5spd t/a Then swap the 3800/5spd and add turbo.
But I like the t/a nose cone, vnted hood and tail lights better than the , fomula’s .
I’d leave it as is and just drive it.
What Realdeal says…
I agree too. The car looks good and with basic maintanence, just drive and enjoy it as is.
Same. If I did anything it be very mild stuff to the 305.
This is also on craigslist locally and looks pretty good. I had a 86 TA with 305 TPI auto and it was a fun car. Not a power house but just fun to drive. I wouldn’t mind having another one and a Formula would be my first choice.
Original nicely equipped cars in this condition are not plentiful. I would enjoy it just like it is
Some long tube headers and a true dual exhaust system should pull a few more ponies out of that little 305.